Game on for Trident and community with new floodlights funded by Trust Horizon

Trident High School’s playing fields will soon be in the spotlight, with the installation of eight brand new floodlights – made possible with the support of a $177,200 grant from Trust Horizon.

The new lighting will make Trident one of the few high schools in New Zealand with flood-lit fields, and will change the game for winter sport.

Previously, training and games were restricted to daylight hours only. Matches scheduled mid-week saw students leaving class at lunchtime to prepare to kick off at 3pm. This led to a loss of over 50 hours of learning time per season for Trident’s rugby and football teams.

Next winter the school will be able to host teams from around the Eastern and Western Bay for mid-week games – without having to sacrifice valuable time in the classroom. Trident also looks forward to inviting other local schools and community groups to make use of both fields’ extended usable hours.

Trident High School Assistant Principal, Jonathan Stanhope, explains that the idea of floodlights was first floated during a conversation about establishing a Trident Old Boys team. “We were talking about setting up an old boys football team as a way to build social connection and support men's mental health, but there just wasn’t any field time available for them to train,” says Stanhope. “I made a joke about needing floodlights, but then thought, ‘hang on, is this something we could actually explore?’”

A serendipitous conversation at the Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne festival gave Stanhope the idea of applying to Trust Horizon for a grant.

“When Jonathan outlined the need and the opportunities these floodlights would create, the Trust was pleased to lend its support,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, David Bulley. “Field lighting would not only benefit the school but also the wider community, encouraging more local sport and connection throughout the year.”

A $177,200 grant was approved in March, and eight new energy-efficient LED floodlights were installed last week. The lights will be switched on for the first time at a launch evening planned for November 10th.

For the Whakatāne community, the new lights will be a game-changer. “Being able to give students the unforgettable experience of playing under the lights is something the whole school can be proud of,” says Stanhope. “To have Trust Horizon backing us and believing in us, words aren’t enough. We’re so grateful for their generous support.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon’s community funding here.